dan ashley and carolyn johnson have the night off. it means most of us, most of us will avoid a big income tax hike. it came after a bitter debate, but as one republican congressman said tonight, you have to know when to hold em and know when to fold em. now more from karen travers. >> after months of drama and last-minute negotiations congress finally passed legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff. after the vote, a rare late-night statement from president obama. >> this law is just one step in the broader effort to strengthen our economy and broaden the opportunity for everybody. >> lawmakers completely blew their deadline. they didn't get the grand bargain that both parties claim was their ultimate goal. but tonight both democrats and republicans gave themselves credit forgetting something done. >> this is a very, very strong first step. >> this is an important one. this is a critical one for the future of the country. >> there was considerable happened wringing about a lack of spending cuts. some wanted to add them in, but ultimatel